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Thirty years ago, I did the bravest thing I could imagine: I asked for help.

By Susan Bustamante

Special for CalMatters

Opinion

I had survived years of childhood sexual abuse by my father, followed by a violently abusive marriage. For years my husband beat me, threatened me, forced me into isolation, and even forced me to have an abortion.

I endured it and stayed quiet until I couldn’t anymore. I had two daughters to protect.

When I confided in my brother and explained what was happening, I believed I was taking a first step toward freedom. I never expected my husband would be killed and that I would be charged with his death, accused of plotting to collect a life insurance payout.

I believed the

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